First of Its Kind

Thanks to a new program at Millersville University, students will now have the opportunity to work directly with business leaders in the area. On April 16 Millersville University held a ceremony in Biemesderfer Center confirming the official naming of the Entrepreneurial Academic Minor Program in recognition of Paul H. (Pete) Slaugh, Jr. At their meeting in March, the Council of Trustees (COT) approved the new program. Slaugh is the managing director of Homesale Services Group for Prudential Real Estate in Lancaster, Pa.

“I’m pleased to be part of this new program which will support students and encourage them to work in Lancaster County where my business career started and grew,” said Slaugh. “The University is an important economic force for our region, and this program will have long lasting benefits to the community. I particularly look forward to the interaction I and other business leaders will have with the students through internships.”

By honoring Slaugh, the COT recognized him as a corporate leader in the Lancaster region who personifies the entrepreneurial spirit and is committed to supporting an academic program that will act as a bridge between the University and the business world. Slaugh was recognized for not only his business success, but also his financial contribution to the University.

“I’m delighted that one of my first official duties as president is to be involved in such an important milestone for the University,” said Dr. John Anderson, president of Millersville University. “With Pete’s assistance, this program will certainly promote life-long benefits to students, faculty and business leaders through interactions with one another as it brings together the business and academic worlds.”

“This is an historic occasion for the University,” said Dr. Vilas Prabhu, provost. “This is the University’s first academic minor in entrepreneurship, the first such program in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and also the first named academic program of the University.”

The Slaugh Entrepreneurial Program will be directed by Dr. Stephanie Schwartz, associate professor of computer science. “An essential part of this initiative is the involvement of profit and nonprofit business and community leaders as advisors to curriculum and program development,” said Schwartz. “Outside leaders will also serve as mentors to students working on projects and papers, give career advice and interact with the students.”